The Realme 7 Pro and Samsung Galaxy M21s represent compelling options in the crowded mid-range smartphone market. The M21s, often found at a lower price point, aims for value, while the 7 Pro brings faster charging and a more modern chipset to the table. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme 7 Pro is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 720G chipset, built on an 8nm process, delivers better performance and efficiency than the Samsung Galaxy M21s’ Exynos 9611. The 65W charging is a game-changer, significantly reducing downtime, making it ideal for power users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 - Asia |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 06. Released 2020, November 06 | 2020, September 03. Released 2020, September 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3+), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 75.1 x 8.9 mm (6.27 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) | 160.9 x 74.3 x 8.7 mm (6.33 x 2.93 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent coating |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3+ |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 420 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) |
| Chipset | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 10, One UI 2.5 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.5, 24mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, NavIC |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 65W wired, 50% in 12 min, 100% in 34 min |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Black | Mirror Blue, Mirror Silver |
| Models | SM-F415F, SM-F415F/DS | RMX2170 |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 190 EUR |
| SAR | 0.38 W/kg (head) | 0.73 W/kg (head) 0.52 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.48 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) | - |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 8GB RAM | - | Rp 3,498,000 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 113h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-24.8 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 278414(v8)
GeekBench: 1811 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 14fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy M21s
- Generally more affordable price point
- Decent battery endurance (113h)
- Functional camera system for basic photography
- Slower 15W charging
- Less efficient Exynos 9611 chipset
- Likely lower peak display brightness
Realme 7 Pro
- Blazing-fast 65W charging
- More efficient Snapdragon 720G chipset
- Brighter display (585 nits)
- Potentially better image processing
- Higher price compared to the M21s
- Similar battery endurance to the M21s despite efficiency gains
- 2MP macro camera offers limited utility
Display Comparison
The Realme 7 Pro boasts a measured peak brightness of 585 nits, offering a noticeably brighter viewing experience than the Samsung Galaxy M21s (brightness data unavailable). While both displays have an 'infinite' contrast ratio (nominal), the Realme’s higher brightness translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. The lack of refresh rate information for the M21s suggests it likely operates at the standard 60Hz, while the 7 Pro’s display is optimized for smooth visuals.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. Without sensor size or aperture data, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Realme 7 Pro’s image processing is likely more refined, leveraging Qualcomm’s ISP. The M21s’ camera system, while functional, likely prioritizes cost-effectiveness over advanced features. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution.
Performance
The Realme 7 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) represents a significant architectural advantage over the Samsung Galaxy M21s’ Exynos 9611 (10nm). The 8nm process node inherently offers better power efficiency, leading to less heat generation and potentially reduced throttling during sustained workloads. The Snapdragon 720G’s Kryo 465 Gold cores, clocked at 2.3 GHz, are paired with six Kryo 465 Silver cores at 1.8 GHz, providing a balanced approach to performance and efficiency. The Exynos 9611’s Cortex-A73 and A53 configuration, while capable, is older and less efficient. This difference will be most noticeable in demanding games and multitasking scenarios.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 113 hours, suggesting comparable overall battery life under similar usage patterns. However, the Realme 7 Pro’s 65W wired charging is a massive advantage. It can reach 50% charge in just 12 minutes and fully charge in 34 minutes, drastically reducing downtime. The Samsung Galaxy M21s’ 15W charging is significantly slower, requiring considerably longer to reach a full charge. This difference in charging speed is a key differentiator for users who prioritize convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M21s if you prioritize absolute affordability and are willing to compromise on charging speed and processing power. It’s a solid option for basic smartphone tasks and light usage. Buy the Realme 7 Pro if you value faster performance, significantly quicker charging, and a more efficient chipset, even if it means spending a bit more upfront. This phone is geared towards users who game, stream, or frequently use demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Galaxy M21s overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 9611, being built on a 10nm process, is more prone to thermal throttling than the Snapdragon 720G (8nm). While it can handle casual gaming, extended sessions with graphically demanding titles may result in noticeable performance drops as the chip heats up.
❓ Is the 65W charging on the Realme 7 Pro safe for the battery's long-term health?
Realme employs multiple layers of safety protocols within its 65W SuperDart Charge technology. These include temperature control, over-voltage protection, and optimized charging algorithms to minimize battery degradation and ensure safe, rapid charging.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 720G perform in popular games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile?
The Snapdragon 720G is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at high graphics settings with smooth frame rates. While it may not achieve the absolute highest frame rates possible on flagship devices, it provides a very enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, the 2MP macro cameras on both phones offer limited practical benefit. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are primarily included as a marketing feature rather than a genuinely useful camera component.
